CCM Classic Blog

Take the Time by Alan Scott

The year was 1971. Folk artist, Barry McGuire became a new believer in Jesus. Two years later he signed with CCM record label, Myrrh Records, making his first CCM album, “Seeds” with a little known back-up trio, 2nd Chapter of Acts. Being focused, he wasted no time writing for his next CCM project.

In 1971, CCM artist, Cynthia Clawson made a huge career splash when she headlined on a television variety show called,” CBS Newcomers.” Shortly after, she made her CCM mark. The rest is history.

In 1971, Singer/actor, Pat Boone financed a new CCM artist’s first Christian album. That singer/songwriter was none other than, Randy Stonehill. Like the others, he wasted no time.

In the very same year, 1971, musical-sitcom, The Partridge Family, was forging through its first season on ABC. The story is of a single mom with five kids heading up a pop-rock band made up of the entire family. David Cassidy played the lead singer, Keith Partridge. He was only 20 years old at the time.

Although David Cassidy had millions of residual fans spinning off from the TV show, he struggled after the series’ end to be taken seriously as an authentic rock star. His alcohol and substance abuse addiction plagued his journey throughout the next few decades. In the last couple of years he began to experience dementia issues. He tussled with recalling the lyrics of his own songs while on stage, and the city and venue in which he was performing. I personally was saddened when he passed away recently from organ failure. The comet of this star burned out quickly. David was only 67.

Family members of David Cassidy gathered around his bedside in ICU during his last days of life. The reports from various family members said, when awake from a coma, he was in good spirits, considering the circumstances. He lit up like a Christmas tree seeing many of his family, albeit for a short time. His daughter, actress, Katie Cassidy tweeted out a heart-wrenching statement after her father’s death. She wrote that David’s final words before his life ended was, “So much wasted time.”

Katie Cassidy states that she learned something from her father’s final words; may we, as well.

Find the time to fill in the blank. On this last month of 2017, there is still time to hug more, kiss more, write more letters, Christmas cards and emails. There is still more time to pick up the phone and call just to say, “I love you.” There is still time to give of your blessings to bless someone else. There is still time to have lunch with that old friend who helped to change your direction in life. Take the time.

Scripture calls out the urgency of using the time allotted to us wisely. “But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called ‘Today’…” “And it came to pass…” “The time is at hand…” In fact, if David Cassidy could be with us today, he would agree with Paul. “Therefore watch carefully how you walk, not as unwise, but as wise; redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” (Eph 5:15-16) Take the time.